Person Page - 1224

     John was born circa 1675. He made a will on 6 March 1743 at Accomack Co, VA. To daughter Bridget Thornton. To grandchildren Sarah & Rachel Townsend. To son John Collins "if he does come back". To son John Collins' children. Bal. of estate to wife & the rest of my children. Sons to be at age at 18, daughters at 16. Son Thomas Exr. Witt: Thomas Townsend, William Collins, Joseph Taylor..¹ John died in August 1743.¹ John's will was probated on 30 August 1743 at Accomack Co, VA.¹

     John was born circa 1722 at Accomack Co, VA.² He was the son of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. John was named in his father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son John Thornton in the will of James Thornton..¹ John sold land on 24 May 1744 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that John Thornton, "eldest son and heir at law of James Thornton, deceased," sold 150 acres of the same land and marsh to William Marshall for 3 lbs, "near the mouth of Jengoteague Narrows, which said Island late belonged to Samuel Taylor." (Acc Co Deeds, 1737-45, p. 410) There now remained 150 acres of the originial purchase..³ John witnessed a will on 23 January 1749 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that John Thornton, age 26; William Davis, age 21; and John White, age 18, proved the verbal will of James Townsend..² He married Mary (-----) circa 1750.³ John sold land on 3 December 1774 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that John Thornton & wife Mary sold 50 acres of marsh being on a place Willises Marsh to Shadrack Taylor for $2.00 (Acc Co Deeds 1770-73, p. 392). Evidently John Thornton, with his family, was living on the remaining 100 acres at the time of this deed..³ John was named as administrator of an estate on 28 February 1792 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that John Thornton was named to settle the estate of Samuel Owen. Arthur Whittington & Elisha Whealton were the securities..⁴ John was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1800 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as John Thornton Sen., over age 45. Listed with him were 1 male, age 0-10; 1 male, age 26-45; 2 females, age 0-10; 1 female, age 10-16; and 1 female, age 26-45..⁵ John died circa 1805. No record of his death has been found. However, he evidenlty had a son James Thornton who inherited the 100 acres of Charles Taylor Island or Willises Island and who applied for a military pension in 1829..

     James was born circa 1725 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. James was named in his father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son James Thornton in the will of James Thornton..¹ James bought land on 26 March 1783 at Chincoteague, Acc Co, VA. It was on this date that this James Thornton first appears in Accomack County records, when he bought, from Peggy Gillet of St. George's Parish, 42 acres for 21 £, "a tract of land and marsh on Chincoteague Island..² James appears on the list of tithables at Accomack Co, VA, for in 1783. The Personal Property Tax shows 9 Thorntons men as heads of households and subject to tax. James Thornton and Wm. Thornton Senr (father and son) were listed together with a Jacob Taylor immediately under their names. A Jacob Taylor was known to have been living on Chincoteague Island by this time. A John Thornton was listed near by.. James was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1800 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as James Thornton (DON?), over age 45 with 1 male under age 10, 1 female age 10-16, and 2 females over age 45. The was no James Thornton listed in the 1810 census so he may have been living with one of his children..³ James died after 1813. Since this is the last time his name appears in the records, it is safe to assume that James Thornton Senr. died soon after 1813 as a very old man. He left no will and there was no administration found of his estate. The names of his heirs can therefore only be determined accurately by finding what happened to the 42 acres of land he bought on Chincoteague in 1783 from Peggy Gillet, which he did not sell by a court deed. It is possible that James Thornton Senr. had, besides the son William Thornton, a son John Thornton, born about 1750. He would have married about 1770 and would have been the John Thornton (of James?) in the 1800 census, about age 45, with another male in the household over age 45 (his father James?). This John could have been the father of Jonathan Thornton, b.c. 1771, who married first in 1791 Mary Owen and secondly in 1806 Sally Ross and the father of Kendall Thornton, b.c. 1775 who married in 1796 Betsy Read and d.c. 1824 and was living on Wallops Island, under age 26 in the 1800 census and again on Wallops Island in the 1810 census..

     Southy was born circa 1730 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. Southy was named in his father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son Southy Thornton in the will of James Thornton..^2,1

     William (Charles?) and Charles (William?) Thornton may have been the same person. He was called William in his father James' will, but could have been the same as the Charles who witnessed 3 wills in this part of Accomack County. William was born circa 1732 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. William was named in his father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son William Thornton in the will of James Thornton..¹

     Thomas was born circa 1734 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. Thomas was named in his father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son Thomas Thornton in the will of James Thornton..¹

     Sarah was born circa 1728 at Accomack Co, VA. She was the daughter of James Thornton and Bridget Collins. Sarah was named in her father's will on 20 November 1741 at Accomack Co, VA. She was shown as a daughter Sarah Thornton in the will of James Thornton..¹

     Mary was born circa 1725. She married John Thornton circa 1750.¹

     William was born circa 1746 at Accomack Co, VA. This William Thornton Senr. was evidently the eldest son of James Thornton Senr. since he apparently inherited his father land. He would have been b.c. 1746 and could have married as early as 1766 or as late as 1785 as his children were born in the late 1780's..¹ He was the son of James Thornton Sr.. William died in March 1812 at Chincoteague, Acc Co, VA.² William's estate was administered on 30 March 1812 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that James White was named to settle the estate of William Thornton. Bagwell Wharton & David Watts were the securities. On 1 Oct 1812 there was an order to audit the estate of William Thornton (Island) and James White was the administrator. John Jones, William Rowley, Charles Ewell and Thomas T. Taylor were named to appraise his estate. The auditors were Bagwell Wharton & Thomas T. Taylor. The audit was recorded on 27 Jun 1814. The list of men to whom various fees had been paid by the estate included: William Daizy, James Conner, Ocra Brainney, Thomas Hancock, Charles Carpenter, John Jones & William Sharpley..²

     Nancy was born circa 1790. She married William Thornton (Chinco Is) on 12 January 1809 at Accomack Co, VA. Henry Hopkins was the security on the M.L.B. of William Thornton and Nancy Carpenter..¹

     Sarah was born circa 1790. She married William Thornton (Chinco Is) on 27 August 1810 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts was the security on the M.L.B. of William Thornton of Chincoteague Island and Sarah Hancock..¹

     Emaline was born circa 1850. She married Samuel J. Townsend circa 1870.

     Nathaniel was born circa 1700. He married Sarah (-----) (wid. of Nathaniel Tunnell) circa 1725.¹ He made a will on 5 April 1739 at Accomack Co, VA. To son William 170 acres where I now live. Wife Sarah to have use of same for life. Wife & 3 children Comfort, William & Mary Tunnell residual legatees. Children under age. Wife Exec. Witt: Nathaniel Morgan, Catherine McKenny, William Beavans, Jr..¹ Nathaniel died in July 1739.¹ Nathaniel's will was probated on 31 July 1739 at Accomack Co, VA.¹

     Scarburgh was born before 28 April 1772 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as Scarburgh Tunnel, heir at law to Washburn Tunnel, at probate of Washburn's estate..¹ He was the son of Washbourne 'Washpan' Tunnell and Rachel (-----) (wid. of Washburn Tunnell).

     John was born circa 1750 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of James Thornton Sr.. John was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1800 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as John Thornton (W.BD.?), age 26-45. Listed with him were 2 males, age 0-10; 1 other male age 26-45; 1 female, age 0-10; 1 female, age 10-16; and 1 female, age 26-45..²

     Mary was born circa 1772. She married Jonathan Thornton on 5 May 1791 at Accomack Co, VA. They were shown only as Jonathan Thornton and Mary Owen. No other information was given..¹

     Kendall was born circa 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of John Thornton. He married Elizabeth 'Betsey' Read on 20 April 1796 at Accomack Co, VA. They were shown only as Kendall Thornton and Betsey Read. No other information was given..² Kendall was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1800 at Wallops Island, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as Kendall Thornton, Wal Island, age 16-26 with 2 females age 0-10; and 1 female age 16-26. (NOTE: This was probably Wallops Island.).³ Kendall was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1810 at Wallops Island, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as Kendall Thornton, Island, age 26-45. Listed with him were 1 male, age 0-10; 1 male, age 16-26; 1 female, age 16-26. (NOTE: This could have been either Wallops Island or Chincoteague Island.).³ Kendall died before 27 December 1824. It was on this date that Elizabeth Thornton, widow of Kendall, married Daniel Sturgis of Chino Isl..

     Elizabeth was born circa 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. She married Kendall Thornton on 20 April 1796 at Accomack Co, VA. They were shown only as Kendall Thornton and Betsey Read. No other information was given..¹ She married Daniel Sturgis (Chinco Is) on 27 December 1824 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts Sr. & William D. Cropper were the securities on the M.L.B. of Daniel Sturgis of Chinco Isl and Elizabeth Thornton, widow of Kendall..¹

     Joshua was born circa 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of Joshua Thornton (I). Joshua was listed with his parents in the census of in 1800 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He could have been the 1 male, age 10-16, in the house hold of Joshua Thornton of Wm., but would have to have been a few years older to have been the father of Joshua Wm. Thornton..² Joshua was named in his sister's will on 8 September 1804 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as Joshua William Thornton Jr. and named Extr. in the will of Esther Thronton. He was also given my Negro girl Peggy & when she is of lawful age then to be free. She left all the money in the hands of the Extr. to Joshua Thornton, James Thornton & David Thornton, who were evidently her brothers..³ Joshua was named in his father's will on 8 January 1805 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son Joshua Thornton in the will of Joshua Thornton. He and Henry Thornton were Extrs. He was given the remainder of land where I now live & if he dies without issue, then to son David. To Joshua Negro girl Pagea until age 25 & then she to be free..¹ He married Polly Delastatius on 27 July 1807 at Accomack Co, VA. Walter Wessells was the security on the M.L.B. of Joshua Thornton and Polly Delastatius..⁴ Joshua was listed as a head of household in the census of in 1810 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as Joshua Thornton Jun., age 16-26. Listed with him were 1 male, age 10-16; 2 females, age 0-10; 1 female, age 16-26; and 2 slaves..² He made a will on 14 October 1812 at Accomack Co, VA. To son Joshua Thornton the plantation where I now live. To Euphamy R. Thornton £10. To Tunnell Thornton, a boy bound to me, ... Residue to my daughters Eliza Ann Thornton & Delilah Thornton. James White Extr. Witt: James Duncan, James Thornton & Henry Thornton..⁵ Joshua died in November 1812.⁵ Joshua's will was probated on 30 November 1812 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts & James Melvin securities..⁵ Joshua estate was settled on 29 June 1818 at Accomack Co, VA. 30 Nov 1812 (Order to Invy), 8 Dec 1812 (Sale), 30 Nov 1812 (Order to Audit), 29 Jun 1818 (Rec'd) - James White Extr. Appraisers: Bagwell Wharton & James Duncan Jr. Buyers: Henry Thornton, Polly Thornton & James Thornton Jr. Cash paid William Thornton, guardian of David Thornton. Auditors: B. Wharton & James Duncan..⁶

     Joshua was born circa 1795 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of Joshua William Thornton (II). Joshua was listed with his parents in the census of in 1810 at Accomack Parish, Acc Co, VA. He could have been the 1 male, age 10-16, in the house hold headed by Joshua Thornton Jun, age 16-26..² Joshua was named in his father's will on 14 October 1812 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son Joshua Thornton in the will of Joshua Thornton and given the plantation where I now live..¹ Joshua died before 31 December 1832. It was on this date that Wm. Thornton, orphan of Wm. Thornton, chose Wm. Nock of Z. as his guardian. According to Mary Frances Carey's research on the Nock family, Wm. Nock of Z., inherited 200 acres of land from his father in 1809 and it was to the east of Mappsville and south of the market road, the present day Mappsville Road. This is not too far from Modest Town, where Wm. T. Thornton is buried..³ Joshua's estate was administered on 22 February 1846 at Accomack Co, VA. It was on this date that William Thornton Jr. was named to settle the estate of William Thornton Sr. William Nock (of Z.) and William H. Nock were the securities..⁴

     Elizabeth was born circa 1785 at Accomack Co, VA. She was the daughter of Joshua Thornton (I) and Mary 'Molly' Wessells. Elizabeth was named in her grandfather's will on 2 November 1802 at Accomack Co, VA. She was shown as a granddaughter Betsy Thornton in the will of William Wessells. She was named along with Hessy & Rachel Thornton, who were all named as his granddaughters..² She married Levin (George?) Matthews on 22 February 1803 at Accomack Co, VA. George Matthews was the security on the M.L.B. of Levin Matthews and Elizabeth Thornton..³ Elizabeth was named in her sister's will on 8 September 1804 at Accomack Co, VA. She was shown as a sister Betty Matthews in the will of Esther Thronton..⁴ Elizabeth was named in her father's will on 8 January 1805 at Accomack Co, VA. She was shown as a daughter Elizabeth Matthews in the will of Joshua Thornton. To daughter Elizabeth Matthews Negro woman Esther & if she attempts to sell her, then she to be free & ... now in the hands of George Matthews..¹ Elizabeth died before 9 December 1820. It was on this date that her mother Mary W. Thornton named her 3 grandchildren Meshack, Mary W. & Margaret Matthews in her will, imply their mother was deceased..⁵

     Levin was born circa 1770 at Accomack Co, VA. He married Elizabeth 'Betty' Thornton on 22 February 1803 at Accomack Co, VA. George Matthews was the security on the M.L.B. of Levin Matthews and Elizabeth Thornton..¹

     James was born circa 1793 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of Joshua Thornton (I) and Mary 'Molly' Wessells. James was named in his sister's will on 8 September 1804 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as James Thornton in the will of Esther Thronton. She left all the money in the hands of the Extr. to Joshua Thornton, James Thornton & David Thornton, who were evidently her brothers..² James was named in his father's will on 8 January 1805 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son James Thornton in the will of Joshua Thornton. He was given 75 acres adjoining James Taylor, Selby Delastatius & John Wharton & if he dies without issue, then to son David Thornton..¹ James chose a guardian on in 1807 at Accomack Co, VA. It was in this year that James Thornton chose William Thornton as his guardian..³ He married Sally Mariner on 22 October 1831 at Accomack Co, VA. Robert Russell of Joshua was the security on the M.L.B. of James Thornton Jr. and Sally Mariner of Geo..⁴

     David was born circa 1795 at Accomack Co, VA. He was the son of Joshua Thornton (I). David was named in his sister's will on 8 September 1804 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as DavidThornton in the will of Esther Thronton. She left all the money in the hands of the Extr. to Joshua Thornton, James Thornton & David Thornton, who were evidently her brothers..² David was named in his father's will on 8 January 1805 at Accomack Co, VA. He was shown as a son David Thornton in the will of Joshua Thornton..¹

     Daniel was born circa 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. He married Elizabeth 'Betsey' Read on 27 December 1824 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts Sr. & William D. Cropper were the securities on the M.L.B. of Daniel Sturgis of Chinco Isl and Elizabeth Thornton, widow of Kendall..¹

     Kendall was born circa 1790 at Accomack Co, VA. He married Rachael Thornton on 15 July 1815 at Accomack Co, VA. John H. Watts & John Follio were the securities on the M.L.B. of Kendall Ross and Rachel Thornton..¹

     Robert was born circa 1820 at Accomack Co, VA. He married Elizabeth 'Betsy' Thornton on 8 December 1845 at Accomack Co, VA. They were shown only as Capt. Robert Parker and Betsy Thornton. No other information was given..¹

     Elizabeth was born circa 1820 at Accomack Co, VA. She was the daughter of William Thornton (Chinco Is). She married Capt. Robert Parker on 8 December 1845 at Accomack Co, VA. They were shown only as Capt. Robert Parker and Betsy Thornton. No other information was given..²

     Nathaniel was born circa 1775 at Accomack Co, VA. He married Elizabeth 'Betsy' Thornton on 7 May 1803 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts was the security on the M.L.B. of Nathaniel Hopkins and Betsey Thornton..¹

     Elizabeth was born circa 1780 at Accomack Co, VA. She married Nathaniel Hopkins on 7 May 1803 at Accomack Co, VA. David Watts was the security on the M.L.B. of Nathaniel Hopkins and Betsey Thornton..¹